SHOPIAN: To curb the illegal extraction of minerals from the river beds, the Pollution Control Board (PCB) Shopian today conducted public hearing regarding mining of minor minerals (River Bed Mineral) for four blocks of the district at Degam, Nagabal Shopian.
Speaking on the occasion, The Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) Shopian, Mushtaq Ahmed Simnani said that illegal extraction of minerals including sand and bajri from river beds/nallahs across the district is banned and completely prohibited.
He further said that whosoever is found involved in illegal extraction of minerals, shall be brought to book and also punished under law. He added that FIR shall also be lodged against the violators in this regard.
The ADC said that the directions have also been issued to police and other concerned in controlling illegal extraction of minerals from the nallahs. He stressed for inter-departmental coordination to curb this menace forever.
He also directed a comprehensive drive in the field and installation of sign boards at all vulnerable sites where illegal extraction is done during night hours.
Officers of PCB also highlighted some preventive measures and steps to stop this illegal act.
Among others, DDC and BDC members, Assistant Commissioner Revenue, Shopian, Regional Director PCB, District Officer Pollution Control Board, Panchs, Sarpanchs and other officers and officials of PCB were also present.

KR Desk